Watch Very Semi-Serious

Very Semi-Serious is a documentary film released in 2015, directed by Leah Wolchok, that takes a humorous and insightful look into the world of New Yorker magazine's renowned cartoonists. The film features some of the most popular and recognizable cartoonists of the New Yorker who have been responsible for creating thought-provoking pieces that have influenced generations of readers.

The film takes viewers through the inner workings of the New Yorker’s rigorous submission process for cartoons and shows how these popular images have not only provided humor to the readers of the prestigious magazine but have also served as a social commentary on issues ranging from politics to culture throughout the years. The New Yorker holds its cartoonists to a high standard, and the film highlights the artistic and intellectual demands of working for such an elite publication.

The central focus of the film is on several of the magazine's cartoonists, their creative process, and their motivation for producing the best possible work. Roz Chast, one of the most prominent cartoonists of the New Yorker and a regular contributor since 1978, is featured prominently in the film. Chast's humor and outlook on life are captured throughout the film, making her one of the most memorable characters. Her relationships with her art, her family, and her own interpretation of her work, are closely examined, and the film explores how her endearing cartoons have become a staple of The New Yorker magazine's reputation.

Another cartoonist, Liana Finck, gives viewers a glimpse into her creative process at her Brooklyn apartment, illuminating her unique perspective on life as a woman in an otherwise male-dominated industry. The film gives viewers an opportunity to see how Finck approaches her work, using humor to capture moments of life as she perceives them.

Emily Flake, a successful cartoonist, and author also makes an appearance in the film. Flake speaks frankly about the ups and downs of producing comics and about creating funny but meaningful cartoons that have the potential to resonate with readers across the world.

In addition to offering viewers an inside look at the life and work of these talented cartoonists, Very Semi-Serious also sheds light on the creative environment at the New Yorker magazine. The film takes audiences on a tour of the magazine's cavernous New York City offices, where cartoonists gather to pitch ideas, receive notes and feedback, and find inspiration for their work. The film explores the creative dynamic between editor Bob Mankoff and the cartoonists, illustrating how the two groups work together to produce some of the sharpest and funniest commentary in American media.

Overall, Very Semi-Serious is an engaging and informative documentary that offers a look into the creative world of the New Yorker's cartoonists. The film provides insight into the nature of humor, and the role that cartoons can play in contemporary society. It also gives audiences the chance to see the personalities behind the cartoons, offering a more personal perspective on these talented artists at work, and showing how they come up with the funny, thought-provoking images that keep readers of the New Yorker coming back for more. Very Semi-Serious is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in media, art, or culture, and is sure to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences.

Very Semi-Serious is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 74.